Apple’s New Digital ID: What It Could Mean for Montana Travelers

If you’ve ever stood in line at the airport, frantically digging through your wallet for your ID while juggling luggage and boarding passes Apple might have just introduced something that could make your life a whole lot easier.

Say Hello to the Digital Passport

At its recent Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple announced that iOS 26, set to launch this fall, will allow users to create digital versions of their U.S. passports and store them in Apple Wallet.

That means instead of pulling out a physical ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel, you’ll soon be able to just tap your iPhone or Apple Watch. This isn’t science fiction, it’s coming soon, and it could seriously streamline your airport experience.

What’s Changing in Apple Wallet?

Along with digital IDs, Apple Wallet is getting a facelift. Boarding passes will come with real-time flight updates (think gate changes and delays), and you’ll have quick access to airport Maps and baggage tracking through the Find My app.

In other words, your phone might become your go-to travel assistant, helping you get to the right gate, know exactly when your plane is boarding, and even find that lost suitcase that somehow ended up in Texas.

So How Does the Digital ID Actually Work?

Using your U.S. passport, you’ll be able to create a digital ID in Wallet and present it at select TSA checkpoints. Apple and TSA both confirmed it will be accepted as a REAL ID compliant form of identification, which is a big deal for people who haven’t updated to a REAL ID yet.

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Keep in mind though: this won’t replace your physical passport when traveling internationally. You’ll still need that traditional passport when when crossing borders.

Why It Matters for Montanans

For travelers flying in or out of Montana’s airports, like Billings Logan, Bozeman Yellowstone, or Missoula International, this could be a major convenience. Many Montanans drive long distances just to catch a flight. Having your ID and boarding pass right on your phone can take away a lot of last-minute stress and rushing around.

And if you haven’t gotten your REAL ID yet (because let’s be real, a lot of people still haven’t), this gives you a backup plan for domestic flights.

But Here’s the Catch

Not every TSA checkpoint will accept digital IDs right away. Apple and TSA say this will roll out gradually and only at certain airports to start. So before your trip, double-check if your departure or connecting airport supports the feature. Don’t toss your physical passport, you’ll still need it for international or if tech issues strike.

Is This the Future of Travel?

Apple’s new feature is just the beginning. It signals a bigger shift toward digital everything from IDs to boarding passes to even hotel keys. While we’re not all the way there yet, it’s easy to imagine a near future where your phone becomes your one-stop travel hub.

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So for Montanans who like to travel smart, stay organized, and maybe skip the chaos at security, this might be a small but powerful change worth keeping an eye on.